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PROVENANCE:
The artist;
Goupil & Cie, Paris, acquired from the above, December 15,
1868;
Hollender of Brussels, acquired from the above, February 19,
1869;
Hammer Galleries, New York;
Acquired by the present owner from the above, 1973.

In the 1860s, Bouguereau beguiled his audience with Italian
pastoral subjects, many featuring the feminine charms of modern day
Madonnas. Differing from these many works is The flute
lesson where the artist has chosen instead to depict a father
introducing his young child to the delights of music. As the
patient teacher gently embraces the young one and steadies the
instrument, the mastery of Bouguereau's brush breathes such life
into the figures that the viewer can almost hear the first
tentative notes from the little student's efforts. Bouguereau's
accomplished handling can also be seen in the description of the
various textures: the hardness of stone, the softness of the
child's chemise. Equally compelling is the artist's sureness in the
harmony of line and color that produces a wonderful balance between
these country folk and the rugged mountain setting.

In its discussion of the musical instruments depicted in this
painting, the catalogue raisonné of the artist notes that
Bouguereau has portrayed not a flute but a piffero, a
double-reed oboe-type instrument played in the mountains of the
Apennines and elsewhere in Italy. Also pictured to the right of the
young father is a zampogna, a double-chantered bagpipe, a
traditional instrument played in The Marches and southward into
Sicily. These instruments were often played together and were the
livelihood of traveling musicians who were frequently depicted
entertaining city folk in popular contemporary pictures. In the
present picture, however, the viewer is treated to a tender moment
between the musicians at home, playing the traditional music of
Italy just for themselves.

Estimate: $200,000 - $300,000.

Condition Report*:
Glue-lined canvas.
Under UV light there appears to be two periods of restoration to the man's face. The older period: small touches of inpaint to his left eye and cheek, the more recent period are small touches to his jawline and to the hair above his right eye. There are a few tiny touches of inpaint in and around the child's eyes and right cheek and a few further tiny touches to child's chest, shift, and legs. There is a 1 1/4 x 3/4in area of inpaint below child's left foot. There are tiny, discrete touches of inpaint (to the fine craquelure) scattered in sky and background, minor inpaint to frame abrasion in corners of canvas.
Fine craquelure scattered throughout. Framed Dimensions 54 X 43.5 Inches

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders.
Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation,
warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report.
Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500.
All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.